Tired of connecting the Arcade to run Vindicators? Now you easily play Vindicators online here. Released in 1988 on the Arcade, this retro classic from Atari Games is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Insert Coin | V | Select |
⭐ Premium members can click any key below to remap this game's controls. Go Premium
| Action | Keyboard | Arcade input |
|---|---|---|
| Move | · · | Joystick (2-way) |
| Special | · | Button 1 |
| Rotate left | · | Button 2 |
| Fire | · | Button 3 |
| Rotate right | · | Button 4 |
| Start | · | Start |
| Insert Coin | · | Select |
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Vindicators is a 1988 multidirectional shooter video game developed and published by Atari Games for arcades. The game received ports by Tengen to home computers and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Story Behind Vindicators
Vindicators is a 1988 multidirectional shooter video game developed and published by Atari Games for arcades. One or two players each control a tank in a multidirectional scrolling level. The game received ports by Tengen to home computers and the Nintendo Entertainment System (the latter version of which was not licensed by Nintendo and used an alternate chip to defeat the 10NES lockout system).
Ports were planned for the Atari Lynx and Apple IIGS (with the latter even completed), but were both cancelled. Vindicators was followed by the lesser-known arcade sequel Vindicators Part II.
How Vindicators Plays
Between levels, the player is taken to a shop where items and upgrades to tank speed, power, etc. may be purchased with stars. The player controls a tank with constantly draining fuel, and must navigate through multiple levels (14 stations in the arcade version) from bottom to top, encountering obstacles and enemies. Any damage caused to the player's tank will decrease the shield level.
The higher difficulties make the enemies stronger and the players weaker and also start the players in a later set of levels (called "galaxies") and with some powerups. After destroying a boss, the player(s) can continue to the end of the level. If the player is unable to escape, the tank will lose half its fuel.
Why Players Still Load It Up
The game received ports by Tengen to home computers and the Nintendo Entertainment System (the latter version of which was not licensed by Nintendo and used an alternate chip to defeat the 10NES lockout system). Vindicators is a 1988 multidirectional shooter video game developed and published by Atari Games for arcades. One or two players each control a tank in a multidirectional scrolling level.
There are only a few minor differences as the gameplay is nearly identical to the first, even keeping 10 of the 14 original stations of the first Vindicators. A sequel to the arcade version was released the same year as a conversion kit for Gauntlet titled Vindicators Part II. Vindicators Part II was included in the 2012 compilation Midway Arcade Origins for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Vindicators — Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Vindicators?
Vindicators was developed by Atari Games and published by Atari Games.
Where can I buy the original Vindicators?
Scroll to "Other Places You Can Get This Game" beneath the write-up — it lists trusted stores selling official copies.
What console was Vindicators released on?
Vindicators was released for the Arcade in 1988.
Can I save my progress in Vindicators?
It does — with a free account you can snapshot the game at any point using save states, then pick it up later from exactly that spot.
This Game is Also Known As: “vindicators arcade”, “vindicators game”, “vindicators online”, “play vindicators free”, “vindicators tournament”